Analysis

The Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RTCQ) is designed to assess an individual’s level of readiness to make behavioral changes, based on the Stages of Change Model by Prochaska and DiClemente. It is commonly used in health, psychology, and addiction-related contexts, such as evaluating readiness to quit substance use or adopt healthy habits.

Objective

The primary goal of the RTCQ is to determine the individual’s stage of readiness for change and to guide intervention based on that specific stage. The tool helps professionals understand the person’s level of commitment and willingness to change, allowing for tailored intervention and support strategies.

Scoring

The RTCQ assesses the stage of readiness (intention to change, commitment to change, preparation for action), self-efficacy and desire, and problem recognition. Participants respond to the items using a Likert scale, typically ranging from 1 to 5 or 1 to 7. The total score is calculated based on responses to individual items, with higher scores indicating greater readiness for change.

References

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change. Guilford Press.
Velicer, W. F., Prochaska, J. O., Fava, J. L., & Norman, G. J. (1998). Smoking cessation and stress management: The role of decisional balance in self-change and intervention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 52–60.
Cunningham, J. A., & Humphreys, K. (2009). The role of readiness for change in addiction treatment outcomes. Addiction, 104(4), 587–591.
Redding, C. A., & Prochaska, J. O. (2002). Stages of change and decision-making: Applications to health behavior change. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 25(3), 229–250.